Preparing for Surgery
Preparing for Surgery
Strong, calm, and informed, beats “winging it” every time
You’ve decided (or been told) it’s time for a hysterectomy. Deep breath. You’ve got this and I’ve got you. Whether you’re excited for life without chronic pain or slightly terrified of the idea of an operation, one thing’s for sure: what you do before surgery can massively shape what happens after it.
This part of your journey is all about stacking the odds in your favour, physically, mentally, and practically. What you do now has a real, evidence-backed impact on how quickly you heal later.
Move Your Body
Let’s clear this up: nobody expects you to start a triathlon. But research is loud and clear, people who move a bit more before surgery recover faster and feel better after.
We’re talking:
Walking most days - even 10 minutes counts.
Gentle strength work - squats, resistance bands, that Pilates DVD you bought in 2012.
Core and posture awareness - helps you get moving again safely afterwards, we’re talking the basics like sitting on the loo without grabbing onto the bath for dear life!
If you already see a physiotherapist, this is a great time to check in. A pelvic health physio can teach you early recovery strategies and how to move without straining your abdomen. We dive deeper into exercise, impact, and loading safely on the “Return to Exercise” page, so just focus on simple consistency for now.
Feed Your Recovery
Nutrition before surgery isn’t about “detoxing.” Your liver’s got that covered. It’s about building strong tissue and resilience.
The science says:
Protein is your surgical hero: aim for around 1.2–2.0 g per kg body weight daily.
Add vitamin C, zinc, and iron, your repair team for collagen, immunity, and oxygen transport.
Keep your gut happy with fibre, fluids, and maybe a short probiotic course.
Carbohydrate drinks right before surgery (if your hospital allows) can improve surgical outcomes and are used in enhanced recovery protocols.
You’ll find a full breakdown, including what to eat post-op and how to avoid constipation on our “Nutrition & Lifestyle” page.
Breathe. Properly.
Yes, we love breathing. Yes, it helps calm your nervous system, lower cortisol, and ease tension.
But let’s be real: while breathing and pelvic floor movement are connected, the science doesn’t show that breathing alone strengthens those muscles, more on that on the Pelvic Floor page.
So, for now:
Practise slow, diaphragmatic breathing to relax and improve oxygen flow.
Use it after surgery to manage pain and promote calm.
We’ll unpack breathing techniques and their role in recovery on the “Pelvic Floor & Core Rehabilitation” page.
Get Your Mind on Board
Anxiety and catastrophising (that mental Netflix binge of “everything that could go wrong”) actually predict slower recovery and more pain.
Try this instead:
Information kills fear. Ask questions, read reputable sources (like this one).
Sleep like it’s your job. Healing literally starts overnight.
Talk it out. Partner, friend, therapist, your nervous system will thank you.
Stress less, move more. A short walk beats doomscrolling every time.
If you know anxiety hits you hard, our “Psychological & Emotional Recovery” section dives into evidence-based ways to manage it.
Hormones & Surgical Menopause: The Plot Twist You Can Plan For
If your ovaries are part of the surgical plan, you’ll go straight into surgical menopause (if you are not already there).
That can impact mood, sleep, bone health, and recovery and much much more.
In a word… menopause is a b***h!!
Oestrogen supports muscle repair, collagen, and tissue strength, as well as many other functions in the body, so talk to your doctor early about:
HRT options (modern evidence shows they’re safe for most women).
Bone protection: calcium, vitamin D, and some gentle resistance work.
Heart health: monitor blood pressure and cholesterol post-op.
We unpack all of this in “Menopause & Long-Term Health After Hysterectomy”.
Practical Magic: The Less Glamorous (But Hugely Helpful) Stuff
Quit smoking. It’s the single biggest thing you can do to help your wound heal.
Tidy your space. Make essentials easy to reach, avoid bending and lifting.
Stock up: high-fibre snacks, water bottles, loose clothes, dry shampoo, and dignity-saving high-waisted knickers.
Sort your admin: childcare, meal prep, pet care, time off work, transport.
Build Your Dream Team
Recovery is so much easier when you’ve got people in your corner. Start lining up your support crew now:
Pelvic Health Physio:
Teaches you how to protect your pelvic floor and return to activity safely.
Meal Prep Help:
Family, friends, or a meal delivery - nutrition matters, even when you’re tired.
Driver or Lift Buddy:
Be sensible you can’t drive immediately after surgery.
Personal Trainer (post-clearance):
To guide safe strength training when you’re ready.
Therapist or Counsellor:
Mental health support is recovery support.
You:
The project manager of your own wellbeing.
The Big Picture
Preparing for surgery isn’t about control; it’s about confidence.
By moving your body, fuelling it well, calming your mind, and planning your support, you’re already halfway to a smoother, faster recovery.
We’ll walk you through the rest - step by step - from your first walk post-op to pelvic floor retraining, nutrition for healing, and even returning to running or lifting.
You’ve got this - and we’ve got you.
Evidence Summary
Our preparation guidance is shaped by Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles and the latest surgical research.
Evidence shows that women who prepare physically and mentally before hysterectomy, through light activity, balanced nutrition, and practical planning — recover faster and feel more confident afterwards.
Key references include:
ERAS Society Guidelines (2021): Prehabilitation and education improve outcomes and shorten recovery time.
NICE NG125 (2019): Encourages pre-surgery optimisation: good nutrition, mobility, and lifestyle factors.
Cochrane Review (2022): Exercise and nutrition before surgery reduce fatigue and complications.
Preparation isn’t just ticking boxes, it’s setting your body and mind up to thrive through recovery.